Obituary of Letitia Campbell
Letitia Cordella Campbell was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world peacefully on February 1, 2021, at the age of 85.
Born, January 8, 1936, in Drapers, in the Port Antonio Parish of Jamaica, West Indies, to parents Luther (d) and Eliza “Moom” Campbell. Letitia had 12 brothers and sisters; Milicent, Sweetie, Solomon, Nuevince, Carlton, [preceded by] Festus, Gwendolyn, Milton, Edith, Melbourne, Hyacinth, and Flor. It was often said that Letitia had two birthdays due to an error on her birth certificate that indicated that she was born on January 6.
More commonly known as “Lett” and later as “Mama,” Letitia had a passion and love for life that was palpable to anyone who met her.
Lett completed her studies at Drapers All-Age School in Jamaica, West Indies. She went on to be a devoted parish representative and campaign official for the People’s National Party (PNP) in the political party’s pursuit of Democratic Socialism in Jamaica. Letitia campaigned on behalf of Michael Manley during his historic run and election as the fourth Prime Minister of Jamaica.
While living in Portland, Letitia met and fell in love with Roy Gayle, with whom she had four children who were her pride; Carlene James (nee Gayle), Monica, Henry, and [preceded by] Desmond.
During the summer of 1981, Lett emigrated from Jamaica to Rochester, New York. Lett was joined in Rochester by three of her children two years after her arrival. Lett worked in the facilities department at Midtown Holdings in Downtown Rochester for many years. Letitia also worked as a Home Health Aid before her retirement.
Mama’s greatest joys in life were her 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless cousins.
After her family and politics, Mama’s pleasures in life included dancing, gardening, eating french fries, watching golf, betting at the OTB, playing the lottery, enjoying a drink or two, and her cigarettes. Mama also loved her cats Green Eyes and Lisa.
Mama’s big and bold personality was always welcomed and unforgettable. Her memory is an enduring and never-ending source of happiness for her family and all those who knew her.
Mama’s legacy continues in the heritage she passed on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the generations to come, which includes a love of music (notably Bob Marley) and dancing, a penchant for cooking, and pride in her home country, Jamaica.
